John Paul White w/ Caleb Caudle
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILALBEJOHN PAUL WHITE With The Hurting Kind, John Paul White crafted a stunning album that draws on the lush, orchestrated music made in Nashville in the early 1960s. Yet these songs retain a modern feel, whether he’s writing about overwhelming love, unraveling relationships, or fading memory of a loved one. White grew up in tiny Loretto, Tennessee, and now lives in Florence, Alabama, not far from Muscle Shoals. He has cultivated a music career in Nashville for two decades, first as a songwriter for a major publisher, then half of The Civil Wars – a groundbreaking duo that won four Grammy Awards before disbanding in 2012. Because The Civil Wars were so hard to categorize, White has earned a fanbase among indie rock listeners, folk audiences, Americana outlets and AAA radio. So, what will happen if people hear The Hurting Kind and call it country? “Well that doesn’t scare me in the least,” he says. “As a matter of fact, it kind of thrills me.”CALEB CAUDLEForsythia, the latest studio LP offering from Caleb Caudle, is a portrait of his truest self, of the artist at his most solitary and reflective.Thematically, it meets anticipation for the unknown future with nostalgia for the past, and reconciles both with meditation in the present. The album was recorded at the legendary Cash Cabin during the pandemic, and inspired by the solitude and symbols Caudle found in nature during that time. It’s produced by John Carter Cash, and features veteran session players Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Dennis Crouch and Fred Eltringham, and the vocal talents of Carlene Carter, Elizabeth Cook and Sarah Peasall McGuffey. Simplistic arrangements– in which Caudle was the only guitarist– built a framework for space that is filled intentionally so that the songs themselves can be heard and appreciated without an overcrowding of instrumentation. On this record, outsider influences come into play nearly as much as his foundational knowledge of traditional Appalachian folk and other music history. This collection of 10 songs serves as a manifesto of Caudle’s beliefs and simplest desires. Forsythia sees Caudle as a master of his craft as a songwriter and musician.
PATIO: Kyshona
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEKYSHONA Kyshona is an artist ignited by untold stories, and the capacity of those stories to thread connection in every community. With the background of a licensed music therapist, the curiosity of a writer, the patience of a friend, the vision of a social entrepreneur, the resolve of an activist, and the voice of a singer – Kyshona is unrelenting in her pursuit for the healing power of song. She lends her voice and music to those that feel they have been lost, silenced, forgotten or alone. Through her organization Your Song, she facilitates therapeutic songwriting sessions with groups and individuals in hopes of reconnecting those who are divided. Of her past releases, one fan reviewer wrote: “Amidst these hard, divisive times this set of songs is a salve for the grief many of us are feeling about resulting loss of family, friends, and community.”Storytelling is the way we pass information – between friends, colleagues, and family. Stories are how we imprint our culture and give gifts from one generation to the next. Memory is imperfect. It is influenced by emotion, context, our state-of-mind on any given day, our health, surroundings, language, and how we have been socialized. In telling our stories, we not only enlighten one another to our truths, we also call upon our community to practice active understanding and to help us acknowledge, validate, and remember our past. In telling our stories of the past, we shape a collective future informed by all we have all we have traveled, all we have learned, and all we have been. Every family has storytellers, because we are all storytellers. In her forthcoming album LEGACY, Kyshona tells the long story of her family’s journey. Please join Kyshona in the coming months, as she shares more of that story.
PATIO: Maya De Vitry
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEMAYA DE VITRYMaya de Vitry’s dynamic and vibrant voice seems to rise out of some necessity of bringing songs to life, embracing listeners with what Folk Alley calls a “soulful intimacy”. She grew up in a musical family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, understanding music to be a place of gathering, a way to spend a summer night around a campfire. Maya first traveled and performed as a fiddling street musician, and then in bars, theaters, and on festival stages as a founding member of The Stray Birds. When the band parted ways in 2018, Maya embarked on an ever-evolving musical path of solo work and new collaborations. Her recordings and live performances embody both sincerity and playfulness, and a compelling reverence for the power of songs to be a place of gathering – whether played on stage, or around a campfire. Maya tours in a variety of formats, each featuring a fluid lineup of inspired collaborators. She also enjoys the art of warming up the stage for other artists and she has been invited to support a variety of tours, from innovative singer-songwriters like John Craigie and Aoife O’Donovan, to bands like Mighty Poplar and The Wood Brothers.While on a tour in April 2023, Maya felt deeply moved by the musical chemistry, emotional immediacy, and joyful spontaneity of her live band. She reached out to Nashville-based engineer Lawson White to arrange a recording session for this specific ensemble. But as far as the material for the session, she felt certain of only one song. “Stacy, In Her Wedding Gown” – a captivating portrait of a deeply creative working mother, inspired by one of Maya’s former co-workers at the Nipper’s Corner Starbucks – had become a staple in her live show and could be a centerpiece of the collection. With the band booked and the session on the calendar, Maya wrote several new songs with the ensemble in mind, and chose one cover song for the collection. The resulting EP, Infinite, is performed with astonishing depth and tenderness, shimmering with a loose, human beauty from start to finish. Produced by Maya de Vitry and engineered and mixed by Lawson White, Infinite features Maya de Vitry (acoustic guitar, vocals) and members of her touring band – Joel Timmons (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals), Hannah Delynn (vocals), and Ethan Jodziewicz (upright bass, fretless electric bass). It is a powerful 23 minute journey that invites listeners into the space of warmth and freedom that Maya has so devotedly created.
Evan Honer: Nowhere Fast Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYEVAN HONER Evan Honer is a singer-songwriter originally from Surprise, Arizona. Influenced by esteemed artists like Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, and Jim Croce, Evan has masterfully crafted a captivating blend of modern outlaw country, indie folk, and alt-pop sensibilities. Despite only being 22 years old, Evan has garnered an impressive 100 million+ streams across platforms and currently is in the midst of recording a highly anticipated new album for 2024. Announcing the launch of his own record label Cloverdale Records and a North American headline tour — Evan prides himself on his DIY attitude, educating & helping other musicians to own their masters and publishing and stay independent and building community. WELLS FERRARI
PATIO: Chris Wilhelm
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECHRIS WILHELM Chris Wilhelm is known for bringing positive vibes and an uplifting message to his audience. He plays Americana, folk rock originals that are infectious and insightful, and sprinkles in covers too. Worldwide airplay brought his latest album “This Too Shall Pass” to be one of the Top 100 Alt-Country Albums of 2020, and it spent several months on the national folk charts as well. Chris Wilhelm is a songcatcher and live performer. He made guitars out of cardboard before getting his first one at 13. Born in Hudson, NY, he later moved to Albany, NY, then Boston, and currently lives in Asheville, NC. He has released nine records and played thousands of shows. He has performed in theaters, concert venues, festivals, clubs, bars, libraries, retirement homes, subways, performed on the street and even played at a marathon. He played over 200 shows a year for several years. In 2000 Chris played his first open mic and has been performing live and recording ever since. He’s performed thousands of shows from the subways in Boston to venues up and down the East Coast. In 2004, Chris released his first album, “McKinsley Steel” – it is well loved by many of his fans and includes classic songs such as “Travellin’ on Down” and the title track. In 2005 he released an album called “This Train’s Not Going Slow.” It reached #3 on Boston’s 88.7FM WERS radio charts, and he played shows in many Boston venues including Club Passim, etc. In 2008 Chris did his first solo tour, down to New Orleans and back to Boston. He released his second studio album, “Glory, Filth and Fame.” From 2012-2015 he played 225 shows a year as the singer-songwriter for The Wilhelm Brothers. They released two studio albums with Henry Hirsch, producer of Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, etc.: “Lay Your Burden Down” and “The Sea of the Unwritten.” They also released live album “Like a Bird.” 2021 saw the online release of “Joseph’s Garage”- 12 new home demos recorded on a Tascam 4-track tape machine. Inspired by the Bruce Springsteen album, “Nebraska,” which was recorded on similar equipment.
JigJam
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEJIGJAM When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back! JigJam made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville in March 2023 to critical acclaim receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd on Country Music’s biggest stage. The group was joined on the night by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, and many more. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana. ‘Foot stomping’, ‘high energy’ badassery is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert. Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet. Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’ Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
Sons of The East
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYSONS OF THE EAST“Hello, I’m Bill Murray, thank you for your attention. Now if you would please direct it to the music of Sons Of The East.” – Bill MurrayPremiere songwriters and a brilliant live act, Sons Of The East are a remarkable independent success story. Their stellar debut album, Palomar Parade, has already seen over 60 million streams, with sold out shows at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London, Williamsburg Music Hall New York, Troubadour LA, Razzmatazz Barcelona, Metro Theatre Sydney, Boston, Denver & The Hague to name just a handful. They have amassed an impressive 300 million streams, 60 million YouTube views, 2 million monthly listeners and sold over 50,000 headline tickets throughout their career, a testament to their growing connection with fans all around the world. A steadfastly independent trio, Sons Of The East continue to defy genre and carve out a unique position amongst their indie folk contemporaries. After returning to more sellout shows across Europe, Sons Of The East embark on their third tour of North America in July & August 2024, playing key festivals such as San Fransisco’s Outside Lands, Montreal Jazz, and Floyd Festival.BEN GOLDSMITH Multidimensional artist Ben Goldsmith would like to tell you he “never could’ve imagined” this for himself, but he’s quick to note that – call it confidence or a preternatural headstrongness years in the making – it’d just not be true. “In a way, I’ve been working towards this since I was 3 or 4,” he says. “I’ve never strayed. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.” That “thing” Ben’s referring to is making music – more than music, it’s an art free from genre, with melodies as strong as some of the teen’s many influences. Ben was born and bred on acts like Aerosmith, Dave Mathews Band, Elton John, Queen, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Bob Dylan. Ben floats between worlds, genres, and sounds, truly a jack and master of all trades. The upcoming album will be released in September of 2024. The first release, “Love Again” will drop on May 3rd. Named to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Emerging Artists 18 and Under [hollywoodreporter.com]” club for music this year and equipped with a natural yet extraordinary gift for singing, songwriting, and performing, Ben is blazing his own Converse-paved trail.
Randall Bramblett Band: Album Release Show
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLERANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Esteemed singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett is a multi-instrumentalist musician with a career spanning four decades. The Jesup, Georgia native has been highly sought-after for his creativity as both a collaborator and skilled touring sideman. His talent has earned him the respect of his peers and many of rock’s finest luminaries. In 1974 he was part of the Gregg Allman Band for his Laid Back album and tour. In the 1970’s he joined Sea Level with Chuck Leavell. He’s shared stages with artists such as Steve Winwood – a 16 year run, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic, among others. He’s also a noted songwriter – he penned the title track for the Grammy nominated Blind Boys of Alabama’s last album, adding to a long catalog of songs covered by Raitt, Gregg Allman, Bonnie Bramlett, Hot Tuna, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Leavell and more. The current exciting news is soul/Motown legend Bettye LaVette released a tribute album, covering 11 of Randall Bramblett’s songs on June 16, 2023 on the Jay-Vee label. Super-producer Steve Jordan brought in Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Larry Campbell and more to play on this! But it’s Bramblett’s own career as frontman where his artistry is truly on full display and gives him the most satisfaction. He’s recorded 12 albums for labels Polydor, Capricorn and the last seven for New West Records. Deep into his self-described second act of his solo career, and living in Athens, Georgia, Bramblett’s talents are repeatedly praised by musicians, critics, DJs and fans. Check out the amazing legends he’s played with, written for, and recorded with here!
Mama & The Ruckus w/ Conor & The Wild Hunt
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEMAMA AND THE RUCKUS Mama & The Ruckus is led by Melissa McKinney, who writes songs about the trauma and pain that every person inevitably experiences in their lives. She sings these songs as a cry for hope and inspiration to others and you hear that in every single note that she sings. This intergenerational Roots project features original music that they hope will ignite healing, spread joy, and shine up your soul. Melissa recently advanced to the finals of the International Blues Competition that took place in Memphis, TN, and performed at the historic Orpheum Theater. For the first time, you can catch Melissa with The Ruckus, unplugged in this special evening of music where they will be playing songs off their recently released album alongside some brand new music. Melissa is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts, the co-founder of the Women to the Front Music Festival, a small business owner, and a passionate member of the Asheville Music Community. You can often find her performing alongside her daughter in her other project, Melissa & McKinney. CONOR & THE WILD HUNT Conor & The Wild Hunt animates soulful original songs with fresh perspectives on Americana, Folk, and Pop traditions. They encompass a wide dynamic range, from irresistible grooves to contemplative cinematic ballads and anthemic explosive peaks, with artful and driving instrumentation, impassioned duets, blooming three-part harmonies, and a compelling stage presence. Conor & The Wild Hunt released their debut album titled ‘You’re Not Alone’ in September of 2019. They’ve shared bills with bands such as The War and Treaty, Stella Donnelly, Christian Lopez, Illiterate Light, Satsang, Falls, Ruen Brothers, Ezra Bell, Kelsey Waldon, Yarn, Dustin Thomas, and Crack the Sky. Conor Brendan has performed with artists such as Peter Yarrow and Trevor Hall. Conor Brendan also has a continuing history of involvement in intersectional progressive activism, including the Free Palestine movement, spending three weeks on the front lines at Standing Rock, and participating in marches with BLM, Native rights, women’s rights, reproductive rights, the Baltimore Uprising, West Wednesdays for Tyrone West, Occupy, and anti alt-right counter protests. A recording of Conor singing his song “We Are Here to Stay” at Occupy Congress at age 17 is featured at the end of an NPR story. GRACE CAMPBELLHailing from West Virginia, Grace Campbell brings her unique charm to the music scene. Her captivating songwriting and magnetic personality have garnered her a dedicated fan base both locally and on social media.Grace has transcended the Appalachian region with her music. She continues to grow her regional fanbase through live appearances, a strong social media presence, and the genuine connection she makes with her audience. Her live appearances have included working with artists such as: Kathy Mattea, Kidd G, Philip Bowen, and Kassi Valazza.
John R. Miller with special guest Erika Lewis
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY JOHN R. MILLERJohn R Miller is a true hyphenate artist: singer-songwriter-picker. Every song on his thrilling debut solo album, Depreciated, is lush with intricate wordplay and haunting imagery, as well as being backed by a band that is on fire. One of his biggest long-time fans is roots music favorite Tyler Childers, who says he’s “a well-travelled wordsmith mapping out the world he’s seen, three chords at a time.” Miller is somehow able to transport us to a shadowy honkytonk and get existential all in the same line with his tightly written compositions. Miller’s own guitar-playing is on fine display here along with vocals that evoke the white-waters of the Potomac River rumbling below the high ridges of his native Shenandoah Valley. Depreciated is a collection of eleven gems that take us to his homeplace even while exploring the way we can’t go home again, no matter how much we might ache for it. On the album, Miller says he was eager to combine elements of country, folk, blues, and rock to make his own sound. Recently lost heroes like Prine, Walker, and Shaver served as guideposts for the songcrafting but Miller has completely achieved his own sound. The album is almost novelistic in its journey, not only to the complicated relationship Miller has with the Shenandoah Valley but also into the mind of someone going through transitions. “I wrote most of these songs after finding myself single and without a band for the first time in a long while,” Miller says. “I stumbled to Nashville and started to figure things out, so a lot of these have the feel of closing a chapter.” Miller grew up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia near the Potomac River. “There are three or four little towns I know well that make up the region,” he says, name-checking places like Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Hedgesville, and Keyes Gap. “It’s a haunted place. In some ways it’s frozen in time. So much old stuff has lingered there, and its history is still very present.” As much as Miller loves where he’s from, he’s always had a complicated relationship with home and never could figure out what to do with himself there. “I just wanted to make music, and there’s no real infrastructure for that there. We had to travel to play regularly and as teenagers most of our gigs were spent playing in old church halls or Ruritan Clubs.” He was raised “kinda sorta Catholic” and although he gave up on that as a teenager, he says “it follows me everywhere, still.”ERIKA LEWISKnown for her lengthy tenure touring and busking with beloved New Orleans jazz band Tuba Skinny, prolific songwriter and singer Erika Lewis has been churning out American originals all her own for the past several years. From classic country to cosmic Americana to dreamy indie folk, Lewis continues to dip her toes more deeply into an ever-expanding pool of roots music styles. Her new record A Walk Around the Sun is a testament to Lewis’ songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal ability. Produced by John James Tourville (The Deslondes), A Walk Around the Sun features 11 all-original songs exploring the gray areas between love and loss, joy and grief, longing and contentment. Though her songwriting shines brightly, it’s never at the cost of melody or arrangement; complete with sweeping strings, pedal steel, and even the occasional fuzz of a psych-rock guitar solo, Lewis’ voice soars with emotion and texture throughout.
